By Johnny Black, Managing Partner
I will try not to get too sentimental about this quote or, more importantly, the person behind it.
Ned Walton has been one of the most influential people in my life. Period.
So, when I invited him to be the guest speaker at our 2026 Kickoff Meeting in January, he did not disappoint. I had never heard this quote from him before, but it immediately made the board, and it is one I have reflected on often throughout the year.
“You have to saddle your own horse, and ride.”
There are really two lessons in this quote.
The first is responsibility.
Before you can go anywhere, you have to saddle your own horse. You have to prepare yourself for what lies ahead. You have to learn the skills, do the work, make the decisions, and accept the consequences. Other people may offer advice, encouragement, or opportunity but, at some point, you have to own it.
It is easy to wait for someone else to saddle the horse for us. We wait for a boss to recognize our potential, a mentor to show us the way, a partner to give us confidence, or circumstances to become more favorable. We tell ourselves we are ready, but then wait for someone else to get us moving.
This quote rejects that way of thinking.
The second lesson may be even more important: you still have to ride.
Preparation can become its own hiding place. We can spend years planning, researching, talking, and waiting until we feel completely ready. Saddling the horse feels productive, but it is not the journey. Eventually, you have to put your foot in the stirrup, pull yourself up, and move forward.
Nothing is guaranteed. Nothing is certain. And no one else can take the ride for you.
When you think about everything life throws at us…personally, professionally, emotionally, and mentally, the message is simple: take responsibility for where you are, prepare yourself for where you want to go, and then go.
Own it and ride.
Cheers, Nedley!
Did this quote resonate with you?
I share a reflection each month in the CSP Engagement Report, along with insights from the work we are seeing across the market.
If you would like to receive these directly in your inbox, you can subscribe below.
